The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-09-07
Reunion of Orange County Veterans.

The old soldiers of Orange county held
their fifth reunion at West Randolph last
Wednesday and Thursday. Camp L. S.
Grant was upon the grounds of Il. j. Kim
ball, Esq, just outside the village. A large
number of the veterans came to the camp
early on Wednesday, In the afternoon
line was formed, in which were about three
hundred veterans, who, with the Mechanics
band of West Randolph, Brooktield band
and drum corps, Braintree band and the
Chelsea Camp of Sons of Veterans, marched
to the station and escorted those who came
upon the mail-tran to the camp, where a
dress parade was had, after which the veter-
ans broke ranks and then spent the remain
der OF the afternoon in looking up and visit
ing their old comrades. In the evening a
huge pile of wood, surmounted by barrel
of tar, was lighted. Near the bonfire a
campfire was held This was opened with
prayer by Rev. Harvey Webster, who was
chaplain of the Sixth Vermont Regiment
Ex-Governor Farnham gave a peculiar and
very Interesting account of the suferings
endured by the First Regiment, some of the
members of which carried trunks instead of
! knapsacks. Colonel George W. Hooker
spoke of the patriotism and the brave deeds
Of Vermont troops, and especially of those
of the late General Stannard. The Sons of
Veterans he would have take up and carry
forward the work of the Grand Army. To
the Woman's Relief Corps he gave special
praise. Department Commander Blodgett
who was a native of Randolph, followed
| Colonel Hooker. He spoke of " the boys -
who are now broken down men, of what
they done of the old flag saved by them at
great cost. The young men must now take
care of it. OF the Grand Army of the Re-
public, he said it was composed of 100000
men whose guiding principles are " fra
ternity, charity and loyalty" They know
what loyalty is. Captain Fl. C. Lull of
Montpelier next spoke, and he soon had all
who heard him roaring with laughter.
Charles n Thomas of ROgtop yybo hos haap
the lecturer at the cyclorama of Gettys-
burgh gave brief but highly interesting
account Of the campaign in the Valley, and
recited " Phil Sheridan's Ride" The even
ing was a splendid one, a better audience
was never had and the speakers seemed in
spired. 1t was glorious campfire. 1t is
estimated that there were 5000 people
present.
Thursday was beautiful day and there
was larger crowd present than on the>p pre-
ceding day. About 5000 people were upon.
the grounds through the forenoon. A bust
ness meeting was held at nine o'clock A. NJ.
1t was voted that the next reunion be held
at Brookiield, and the following officers were
elected w. H. III. Hall, Chelsea, colonel;
Cassius Peck, Brookteld, Northumberland;
James WEIGH West Randolph, major;
George w. Flagg, Braintree, adjutant; L.
A. Clark, Brookfeld, quartermaster; Rev.
II. Webster, Williamstown, chaplain; DR..
S. n. Goss, Chelsea, surgeon. Captain Lull
entertained the boys ~ for few moments.
The roast OK, given by r. j. Kimball, Esq,
was escorted to the grounds. At about
eleven A. NJ. Lieutenant-governor l.. X.
Fuller came upon the grounds. He was
introduced by Judge Rowell as man whose
battery was loaded, and this the lieutenant
governor soon proved to be true. He spoke
of the meaning of all that was done here of
the old soldier gatherings and of the em-
blems worn by the Grand Army men. He
then briefly recounted some of the achieve
ments of Orange county men, one of whom
was the gallant old General Stephen Thomas.
OF the Grand Army of the Republic, and
the right of its members TO be proud of their
right to wear its badges, he spoke with evil
dent feeling and when he closed was given
three hearty cheers and tiger. At the re-
quest of many of "the boys" Mr. X. j.
Kimball, to whose generosity the reunion
forces owed much, was called out and he
gave them one of the best speeches of the
day and was cheered right heartily. Mr..
Kimball said that instead of worrying about
the surplus in the national treasury the
government would do well to take care of
its old soldiers and give them their dues
After the speeches came the barbecue and
then some hours of social intercourse.
To U. S. Grant post and to the people of
West Randolph generally is due the thanks
of all attending this reunion, for it was one
of the most delightful reunions ever held in
the state